Description
Succulent cheesy penne ground beef pasta recipe brings robust Italian-American comfort to dinner tables. Simple ingredients and quick preparation make this hearty meal a satisfying choice you will crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta & Meat:
- 12 ounces (340 grams) penne pasta
- 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef
Sauce Base:
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup beef broth
Seasonings:
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare a generously salted water bath in a large pot, bringing it to a rolling boil. Submerge penne pasta and cook until tender yet firm, following package guidelines. Carefully drain and reserve.
- Heat a spacious skillet over medium flame. Crumble ground beef into the pan, cooking thoroughly until rich brown color develops. Eliminate excess grease and temporarily set meat aside.
- Within the same skillet, gently melt butter, releasing its golden essence. Introduce minced garlic and diced onions, sautéing for 3-4 minutes until aromatics become translucent and fragrant.
- Sprinkle Italian seasoning and optional red pepper flakes into the skillet. Stream heavy cream and beef broth, whisking vigorously to create a harmonious sauce. Allow mixture to simmer and slightly thicken over 3-5 minutes.
- Reintroduce cooked ground beef into the creamy mixture, ensuring complete coating. Fold in cooked penne pasta, gently tossing until ingredients are uniformly distributed.
- For an elegant presentation, crown the dish with freshly grated Parmesan or delicately chopped parsley. Serve immediately while piping hot, capturing the dish’s rich, comforting flavors.
Notes
- Pasta Perfection Choose penne with ridges to help sauce cling better, ensuring maximum flavor in every bite.
- Fat Management When browning beef, use lean ground beef (90/10) to reduce excess grease without sacrificing taste.
- Creamy Consistency Temper heavy cream slowly into the sauce to prevent separation and maintain a smooth, velvety texture.
- Dietary Adaptations Swap beef for ground turkey or plant-based crumbles to accommodate different dietary preferences while keeping the dish’s rich, comforting essence.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch, Snacks
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 690
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 550 mg
- Fat: 40 g
- Saturated Fat: 20 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 100 mg